We are not of the type of people who fast
and, while fasting, long for the time to break our fast. On the
contrary, when we are not fasting we long for the time when fasting will
return.

A spiritual person rejoices over the
periods of fasting more than he does over feast days during which he
eats and drinks. Many are those who long for fasting during the
fifty-day period that follows Easter and during which there is neither
fasting or continual prostration. Their longing for fasting increases so
strong that they rejoice at the arrival of the Apostles' fast having
been deprived of the joy of fasting during the preceding fifty days.

Those who are spiritual rejoice so
much at fasting that general fasts are not sufficient for them. Thus,
they urge their father confessors to allow them to add their own
additional fasts. They support their request with the argument that
their spiritual condition becomes stronger during the period of fasting,
their health improves and that their bodies become lighter.

Those who claim that fasts should be
shortened and reduced in number attest to the fact that they have
neither experienced the joy of fasting nor known its benefits.

God willing, we shall discuss in the
coming chapters the benefits of fasting as the source of joy for the
spiritual and the lifestyle for the monks.